Hong Kong (SE): Ten Dominican brothers made their first professions while 16 novices donned the habit of the Dominican Order on Sunday, during the rite of profession and vestition on July 1 at the Chapel of Rosaryhill, Hong Kong, at a Mass concelebrated by Father Javier González Izquierdo, the prior provincial, in the presence of the Dominican Brothers residing in Hong Kong and Macau.
 
A second batch of six novices will make their first professions on August 8.
 
The newly professed brothers and novices come from different nationalities and cultures and will remain here during their time of formation. 
 
The prior provincial said, “By profession, we express trust and faith in God’s plan, and we undertake a serious commitment to discover and understand his plan for us and how best we can place our talents in the service of preaching through a commitment of never ending service and dedication.” 
 
He said, “It is not easy to undertake this commitment when we do not see the face of the one calling us to follow in his footsteps. Let the echo of today’s gospel ‘Do not fear but have faith’ accompany you in discerning and serving God’s kingdom.”
 
The Dominicans give thanks for the call God has extended to these young brothers and will prepare and accompany them in their process of discernment and formation.
 
To have 52 professed brothers and 18 novices is a blessing. The numbers may seem small, but they are a ray of hope for the future mission of the Church and of the Dominican Order in Asia and across the Province of Our Lady of the Rosary.